Mr. Frank McKee, a marathon runner, a serviceman, and a retired principal has brought a positive influence on to the boys cross country team.
As the new assistant coach of the boys cross country program, he has witnessed the Knights break out to an 8-0 start and climb to the top ranked spot in the Continental Conference.
One of the three senior captains, Ryan Grace, noted that “the man has done 20 marathons and has been running since high school; he knows a thing or two about this sport, and we listen whenever he gives us his advice.” Running has been a major part of his life. McKee ran during high school and during the service and just fell in love with it.
“I’ve been thrilled having him here”, said head coach Mike Werner. “He brings this team a wealth of knowledge about the sport that this program hasn’t had and mostly certainly needs.”
Before coming to North Penn, Coach McKee was the Principal of Lower Moreland High School and the coach of their cross country team. Lower Moreland’s cross country program was not that big at the school at the time so he was forced to build a team with what he could get.
“We were a very well trained team, just not that good. I always use to see my boys get beat by the team with the Columbia blue jerseys and wonder how on earth can I possibly beat them?” said Coach McKee.
After leaving Lower Moreland, he began a teaching career at LaSalle University and left the coaching game behind. Until his wife, Mrs. Ellen McKee, and English teacher at North Penn High School, told him of the opening at North Penn.
“My wife came home and told me about the open coaching spot and I jumped right on it” he said. Apparently, Mckee follows the mantra, if you can’t beat em’, join em’.
Since arriving, North Penn has had one of its most successful starts, winning an invitational and taking down their rival Pennridge, who was ranked in the top 10 in Pennsylvania.
“The team looks really good; we have the potential to be one of the best teams in the state, and honestly right now we are scary good” said the coach.
Coming to North Penn was a little stressful on the coach at first, because he jumped onto a team with such a great winning tradition. Once he walked into the first team meeting, he was accepted by his new pupils with open arms.
“It was very humbling to me to be accepted by these athletes and into this great winning tradition” said the coach.
The coach does not want to make any predictions on the season but he knows that his team is going to be great.
“I can see it in their body language, and they look like a team that has the swagger that all great teams have.”
Junior Shaun Collins stated that “we have come to like and respect every coach we’ve had, but coach McKee is different I guess; he just comes off like he is the most knowledgeable man, and we just want to learn from him.”
McKee couldn’t find one thing wrong with the team or the program either.
“They are great athletes, they have the best attitudes, and it has become just a privilege to coach them alongside of Mr. Werner” said McKee.